NSW Department of Primary Industries | CSU Homepage
4 September 2006
High school students learn about agricultural science
One hundred school students from throughout the Riverina have taken part in a hands-on science day at the E H Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation at Wagga Wagga.
NSW DPI technical assistant, Kerry Wratten, who organised the day, said the Year 10 and 11 students who participated in the "Schools Enrichment Day" day found out what it was like to work in the field of agricultural science. "They had the opportunity to take part in practical science-based activities that are currently used to solve problems in agriculture," she said.
Eleven schools participated, with students travelling from such places as Albury, Batlow, Tumut, Hay, Deniliquin, Lockhart, Murrumburrah and Wagga Wagga. "We had an overwhelming response to the day and it is marvellous to see that some of the schools travelled for up to three hours to attend", Ms Wratten said.
Activities offered to the students included:
- What weed is that?
- Check out salinity in our waterways
- How do you transfer a virus in the plant world?
- Are noodles and bread made out of the same flour?
- Explore the world of plant DNA
- Bus tour of CSU and NSW DPI facilities
Ms Wratten stated that "One of the aims of the Graham Centre is to establish strong links with schools and students and to raise the profile of primary industries as a career choice".
Contacts:
- Kerry Wratten, Tel (02) 6938 1877, kerry.wratten@dpi.nsw.gov.au
- Helen Burns, Tel (02) 6938 1947, helen.burns@dpi.nsw.gov.au